Members started arriving to the annual summer picnic at Pearson College
around 3pm, and some stayed late to take advantage of the superb dark skies for
observing and astrophotography. There was lots of food to share, and some took
advantage of the BBQ supplied by Mark Wheen (our Pearson College host). Victoria
Centre's Solarmax 40 was put to good use in the afternoon, and the absolutely
perfect summer weather rewarded those who stayed to observe.

I had a great time at the Pearson College picnic. The sky viewing was
fantastic - nice and dark. I was especially delighted to be able to use Bruno's
big 20x80 Celestron binoculars which I used to view the Veil nebulae in Cygnus.
I could see the entire east side in those with a nice wide field. I felt it was
much better than going to the Mount Kobau star party and cheaper too. There was
so much food I couldn't eat it all, although I tried.

Included are some of my favorite pictures from last night. I almost gave
up on photography last night as the remote shutter switch that I had just bought
yesterday did not want to work. That was a bit disappointing. Overall the night
was a complete success. All images 30 sec, 1600 ISO with a Nikon D70s Tripod
Mounted various focal lengths. Noise removed with Neat Image.
Malcolm Scrimger

Great report Malcolm... and many thanks for documenting and photographing
this RASC Victoria Centre annual event,, Yes the skies were fantastic... I look
forward to seeing Charles and Joe's images from last night... As to my modest
efforts in imaging M8..well some processing still required, but I do have a few
keepers... and hope to share soon..

Many Thanks to all all members who came out in support of Mark and Bill at
Pearson.. It is a lovely viewing site and all should take the time to come see,,
the DARKEST skies available to us,, in the Capitol Region... WOW the southern
section is a joy to observe. A very special thank you.. to Sandy Barta,,, Scott
Mair,, and Joe Carr... for organizing another great picnic... the food was
fantastic.. the socializing and tall DARK tales..were enjoyable.. and a good
time was had by all... thanks.Rasc'als.. Cheers.. Bruno Q

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